R0ad trip time for team Hickory's & our latest trip took us somewhere a little different. We swapped the Southern States for Northern Italy. We might have stayed this side of the pond but we learnt a lot, made new friends and experienced hospitality that matched what we have come to expect from the Deep South.

All good trips start with great BBQ right? So, we had to kick things off with brunch at Hickory's Wilmslow (great tip for anyone flying from Manchester airport - load up on smokin' BBQ first. Beats airport sandwiches any day). And, of course a Mimosa or two as we were off to Italy to meet the team from Astoria.

When in Italy...

The first night was spent just outside of Venice where we enjoyed a Prosecco inspired dinner & our first Tiramisu of the trip. We quickly learnt that this "pick-me-up" originated from the Veneto region of Italy. Just like in the family-ran smokehouses of the Southern States everyone we met has a recipe that has been passed through generations and stories to share.

The Astoria Estate...

Paolo & Dario from Astoria kindly picked us up the next morning to take us to Crocetta de Montello. It was a 20 minute drive & the scenery was incredible. Out hosts & guides pointed out landmarks and the enormity of wine in the area was clear.  Paolo showed the guys round "our house" and the passion for their wine was inspiring. It was a real privilege to spend time with the team & to even meet Filippo Polegato. He is the third generation Polegato at the helm at Astoria. We might have not been in the Deep South but the family-values and care they have for their craft felt close to home.

The bottling plant was a real mix of traditional methods and real innovation. The view was stunning & as we enjoyed a glass with Fillippo & Paolo we understood how the part the Pre-Alps & Prosecco Hills play in creating the climate needed.  There was a whole lot of Prosecco being bottled & shipped across the world - including America & there really is a Prosecco for every taste. If you are ever in the area we can definitely recommend Pizzeria da Lino | Pederobba | Facebook. The most incredible pizza's, all washed down with a glass or two of Prosecco. (And a Tiramisu to finish).

Sippin' Experience...

After lunch we headed to the Astoria Estate and Laura explained the harvest process & gave us a road trip through the range of Prosecco.The attention to detail was second to none. As the bottles were lined up our eyes were drawn to the Venice Collection. Beautiful bottles that pay tribute to Venice, its history and the centuries of masterful glass making. The Astor bottles in the Venice Collection represent the city's canals &  narrow streets. We heard it all-  from the grapes arriving. Right the way through to the bottling and drinking. (Yes, more drinking – well someone had to try it!). 

BBQ & Prosecco...

But the big question was...Can you enjoy a glass of Prosecco with smokin' BBQ. Quite simply yes. The crisp bubbles & acidity cut through the rich fats and balance the smoky flavours. Our advice smoked chicken or BBQ pulled pork are great with a cold glass. Over dinner at Enoteca Corte del Meda we enjoyed our Prosecco with steak & it was a hit.

You can definitely say that this trip was a hit with the team. From experiencing a true welcome & genuine hospitality first hand from everyone at Astoria, meeting incredible people and learning so much about Prosecco. Massive thank you to the guys at Astoria.

If all that talk of Prosecco is making you thirsty, you know what you've got to do. Pop down & pull up a seat at the bar or book yourself a table & enjoy a glass with your smokehouse favourite.